A Series of Stellate Ganglion Blocks for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report

An overactive sympathetic nervous system plays a role in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder. The cluster of sympathetic nerves located in the inferior cervical column, known as the stellate ganglion, is an optimal target for anesthetic delivery in an effort to calm this sympathetic overdrive. Recent studies have shown that stellate ganglion blocks may be beneficial for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The authors present a 40-year-old man who is a military veteran with an existing diagnosis of PTSD. He experiences frequent symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety attacks, and insomnia that have not improved with standard treatment modalities including antidepressants, anxiolytics, group therapy, and psychotherapy. The patient experienced symptomatic relief immediately after the stellate ganglion block and continued relief after the third block.

Stellate ganglion blocks are an effective alternative therapy for PTSD.